Crypto Kingpin Arrested: Police Uncover Alleged Mastermind Behind Daring French Kidnappings

Alleged Mastermind of Crypto Kidnappings in France Arrested in Morocco

In a significant development, a 24-year-old French-Moroccan national, Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, has been arrested in Morocco for his alleged involvement in a series of crypto-related kidnappings in France. Bajjou is subject to an Interpol Red Notice and is suspected of being one of the leaders of the crypto kidnapping schemes, including the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland in January.

French Justice Minister Gérard Darmanin expressed his gratitude to Morocco for the arrest, stating that it "demonstrates the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly against organized crime."

The arrests come on the heels of a recent crackdown by French police, who have apprehended at least 12 suspects in connection with two crypto-kidnapping incidents in Paris. The charges include criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted kidnapping, with investigators alleging that pseudonymous ringleaders have been recruiting younger individuals to carry out these brazen attacks.

While the kidnappings in France have been among the most high-profile, "wrench attacks" – physical attacks against crypto holders – are taking place worldwide, with at least two reported incidents in the last few weeks in Uganda and the United States.

According to a database maintained by Jameson Lopp, co-founder of Bitcoin security company Casa, there have been 29 reported attacks so far in 2025, compared to only 34 in all of 2024, indicating a concerning rise in these types of incidents.

The arrests and ongoing investigations highlight the need for heightened security measures and increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat the growing threat of crypto-related crimes. As the cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to evolve, the safety and protection of digital asset holders remain a pressing concern that requires urgent attention.